Protein intake and health outcomes

INTERVENTION: This is a double‐blinded randomised controlled intervention study with older adults designed to measure the impact of increased protein intake and markers of general health, including muscle function, metabolic health, sleep quality, and QoL. Participants will be randomly allocated (using an online tool) to one of the following: 1) an intervention group receiving a high dairy‐based protein ready‐to‐mix (RTM) drink ( 20g of milk protein isolate), 2) an intervention group receiving a high plant‐based protein RTM drink ( 20g of pea/rice protein mix), 3) a control group receiving a RTM drink based on carbohydrates (maltodextrin). Prior to the intervention, the participants will have the following measured: dietary intake, sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index = PSQI), and quality of life (SF‐36 questionnaire). All will be posted or emailed and filled out by participants. In addition, blood pressure will be measured, a blood sample will be taken, handgrip and leg press strength tests will be performed, as well as a timed up and go test. Furthermore, anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body composition using BODPOD) will be measured. At week 12, participants will return for the final visit when all the measurements will be repeated in the same way as before. CONDITION: Improve muscle function (and body composition, metabolic health, sleep quality, and overall quality of life) in older adults ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: Muscle strength (hand grip, leg press) at baseline and 12 weeks SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; Measured at baseline and 12 weeks:; 1. Functional mobility (timed up and go test); 2. Body composition (fat mass, fat‐free mass) measured using BodPod.; 3. Biomarkers: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides; 4. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index); 5. Quality of life (SF‐36 questionnaire); INCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy male and female adults aged 50 years and older